Tag Archives: Metro Cruise

28th Street Metro Cruise returns with more activities and fun

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A ’59 Cadillac basks in the sun at previous Metro Cruise event (Courtesy, WKTV)


By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

WKTV Contributor


(Courtesy, Metro Cruise)

If you find yourself suddenly surrounded by some classic cars such as a 1957 Chevy Belair or a 1969 Dodge Charger this weekend, you have not traveled back in time: it’s the 28th Street Metro Cruise.

The popular car event kicks off this Thursday with the 14th annual Cascade Metro Cruise Warm Up, which is located in the parking lot of the Cascade Retail Center, 6250 28th St. SE.

The kick-off event runs from 4-8 p.m. with The Kennedy Affair performing from 5-7:30 p.m. and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office hosting meets and greets and K9 demonstrations.

Cruising into new events

Activities start to rev up on Friday and Saturday as the annual car event of West Michigan drives into full gear with plenty of cars and a few new twists.

(Courtesy photo)

“We’re excited to start bringing Metro Cruise back to its roots, with official events up and down 28th Street,” said event director Brandon Simmons.

“When the Cruise first started in 2005, there were over a dozen event sites. That was narrowed down over the years and eventually became just one site, Rogers Plaza. But now we are on the upswing with adding other event sites.”

Pit Stops

This year’s event has double the number of Pit Stops located in Wyoming, Grandville and Cascade. New this year are Baker Street Auto Group, 2901 28th St. SW; Car City, 1515 28th St. SW; and Sheraton Hotel, 5700 28th St. SE.

Returning Pit Stop locations are Oakestown-Borgman, 3000 28th St. SW; Grandville Plaza, 2905 Wilson Ave. SW; and Cascade Village, 6797 Cascade Rd. SE.

(Courtesy photo)

The Pit Stops, which will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, will feature collector cars, food vendors and a unique auto-related entertainment feature, some of which are monster truck displays, a 40-foot by 60-foot RC car race track, antique fire engine displays, an exotic and luxury car collection, and a car smash area.

Parking at the Pit Stops will be free with free reserved (temporary) collector car parking areas for those with a classic or collector car who are cruisin’ 28th Street.

Rogers Plaza

The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 22-24 in Wyoming and Kentwood (Courtesy, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Activities at the 28th Street Metro Cruise main event site, Rogers Plaza, located at 972 28th St. SW, will kick off at 1 p.m. Friday and continue through Saturday. Hours are 1-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday.

At Rogers Plaza, there will be 10 bands on the GRNCDA Main Stage. The GRNCDA Main Stage also will feature the Miss Metro Cruise finale at 3 p.m. Saturday followed by the West Michigan Sound Off, where six bands compete for a $10,000 prize.

Also at Rogers Plaza will be 24 vendors at the Honor Credit Union Food Court, the Cumulus Media Kids Entertainment Tent, a 30-foot climbing wall, Lucky’s Self Serve DYNO testing, a scavenger hunt with gift card giveaways and the official Metro merchandise collection.

Perfect weather + Fun events = A dynamic Metro Cruise!

Simmons said the weather forecast is looking good for the weekend with estimations of attendance being around the event’s usual 80,000-plus. So people should plan ahead if they are attending this year’s Cruise, he said.

Grand Rapids Auto Gallery donated the use of this 1954 Buick Century for the Metro Cruise film, “Horizon” (Courtesy photo)

“Your favorite restaurant, lot or event site will probably fill up faster this year,” Simmons said. “People know summer is coming to a close and we don’t get many perfect weekends like this.”

For more information and schedule of events, visit metrocruise.org or the 28th Street Metro Cruise Facebook page (f/metrocruise) and Instagram (@metrocruise).

Popular Metro Cruise Dust Off returns May 4

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Metro Cruise organizers are expecting between 140 to 150 collector cars at this year’s Dust Off set for May 4 at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. (WKTV)



By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

WKTV Contributor


May is calling with its warmer weather which means it’s time to pull the cover off that classic car and head to the City of Wyoming for the first major car event of the season: the Metro Cruise Dust Off. 

The annual event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Wyoming Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW, marks its 10th anniversary this year.

Up to 150 collector cars expected

“It’s a big event,” said Metro Cruise Event Manager Brandon Simmons. “It really has grown over the years. We are expecting about 140 to 150 collector cars.”

To accommodate the growth, last year, the layout of the event was changed to allow for more collector cars, Simmons said, adding that those with cars usually come early to secure their spot. Also the first 100 car owners will be offered a custom Dust Off t-shirt for $15. 

The event and lodge is open to the public. The Moose Lodge will offer food and beverages starting at 11 a.m. and will have entertainment in the evening, which also will be open to the public.



The Metro Cruise Dust Off marks its 10th anniversary this year. (WKTV)



A Summer Packed with Metro Cruise Fun

The Dust Off is the first Metro Cruise event of the season with a host of activities planned for the summer. 

“This is the kick off of a summer of monthly Metro Cruise activities,” Simmons said. “This year we will be hosting the first-ever Cars ‘n Clubs in June, which is our golf outing/fundraiser event.”

Cars ‘n Clubs Golf Outing

The Cars ’n Clubs Golf Outing is June 22 at  Indian Trails Golf Course, located at 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The event is open to all golfers, with or without a classic car. Cost is $69 for one play, $138 for a two-player group and $250 for a four-player group. Registration deadline is June 20 with discounts for those who reserve before May 1. 

There will be a Cruise to the Course before the golf outing. Those interested in the cruise should meet at Rogers Plaza by 7 a.m. for the lineup to drive to the course. Those participating in the cruise will receive donuts and coffee courtesy of Marge’s Donut Den.



Miss Metro Cruise winners and contestants will be at the Dust Off and will be available for pictures. (WKTV)


Miss Metro Cruise Prelims and Car Show

The popular Miss Metro Cruise Prelims and Car Show returns July 13 and will be at the Wyoming Moose Lodge. The field of contestants will be narrowed down to 10 who will compete for the title at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. To sign up for Miss Metro Cruise go to facebook.com/missmetrocruise.

Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm Up

Aug. 22 is the Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm Up at the Fowling Warehouse lot, 6797 Cascade Rd.



The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 23 and 24 at Rogers Plaza. (WKTV)


28th Street Metro Cruise Main Event

The Main Event, the 28th Street Metro Cruise, is set for Aug. 23 and 24 at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming. 
The Rogers Plaza site will feature over 340 show cars along the famous Collector Car Row, food from 24 vendors including 12-plus food trucks, live music from five top West Michigan bands, the Miss Metro Cruise Finale competition, the popular DYNO viewing area, freebies/coupons/drawings from the sponsor vendors, a kids’ coloring area, and much more.

Simmons said the main event site for the Metro Cruise is Rogers Plaza, but that there will be Pit Stop Sites along 28th Street between Grandville and Cascade. The Pit Stop Sites will feature collector car clubs along with food and Metro Cruise merchandise. 

For more information on the Metro Cruise Dust Off or any of the upcoming Metro Cruise events and how to register for the 28th Street Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org.

28th Street Metro Cruise shows off Radio Flyer car at Woodland Mall

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, West Michigan, Woodland Mall, , ,
An iconic Radio Flyer car made an appearance at the 28th Street Metro Cruise (Courtesy, Becci Schumaker)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

An iconic name made an appearance at Woodland Mall during the 28th Street Metro Cruise event Aug. 25-26, 2023.

A legacy that stretches over 100 years, Radio Flyer is one of the most recognized names in the toy industry.

Founded in 1917 by young Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin, Radio Flyer began as a hobby – a coaster wagon that he created and sold to local hardware stores. That first line of wagons sold as fast as he could make them.

Pasin christened the wagon the Liberty Coaster, later renaming his invention Radio Flyer – the Original Little Red Wagon®. The combination of “radio” and “flyer” was born from Pasin’s fascination with airplanes and radios.

Today, Radio Flyer continues to be a Chicago-based, family-owned company committed to creating high-quality products.

“Our mission is to create smiles and warm memories that last a lifetime,” Radio Flyer’s website says.

Over the years, Radio Flyer has transformed how they thought about their brand, reimagining their product line to help serve the entire family. Through it all, they have stayed true to their legacy.

Antonio Pasin was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame in 2003.

To learn more about Radio Flyer’s history and products, visit here.

Metro Cruise is coming to 28th Street Aug. 25 and 26 with old favorites and new features

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WKTV’s DreamWheels red carpet classic car show is always a Metro Cruise premiere event. (WKTV)

By Deborah Reed

deborah@wktv.org

The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place annually in Wyoming and Kentwood. (Courtesy, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

Buckle up for the 18th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise this weekend!

15,000+ collector/sports/antique cars, two days, 17 hours, five cities, 13 miles, and hundreds of public and private events will descend upon 28th Street and the surrounding areas on Aug. 25 and 26.

An estimated 200,000 people participate in Metro Cruise related events during this annual two day event.

Since its inception in 2005, Metro Cruise has been a consistent celebration of cars, local business, great food, and family and friends while also continuing the car culture known in the Grand Rapids area.

A new era

Previously owned by the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce, Metro Cruise has recently come under new ownership through a privately owned entity.

Despite the change in proprietorship, Wyoming Police Lt. Andrew Koeller said, “The Wyoming Police and the City of Wyoming are providing the same services we have traditionally provided.”

Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)

Wyoming Police Department is staffing Metro Cruise with assistance from the Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grandville Police, Walker Police, Kentwood Police, and Wyoming Fire Department.

Eventgoers can expect to see WYPD in marked police vehicles, police motorcycles, on bicycles, and on foot.

“The Wyoming Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment during the event for all to enjoy,” said Koeller.

Take a quick Pit Stop

“We are very excited to announce a feature of Metro Cruise we know you’ll love,” the Metro Cruise website states. “There are now more ways than ever to enjoy your favorite auto event.”

Three Pit Stop sites have been added to Metro Cruise. These sites will be smaller, more specialized, and offer easier access than the Main Event sites at Woodland Mall and Rogers Plaza.

Hosting a minimum of four key features – collector car club(s), food vendor(s), official Metro Cruise merchandise, and an entertainment feature – each Pit Stop site will be open to the public with space for free parking.

Popular events

The Metro Cruise Dust Off kicks off the event series each year (WKTV)

Official event times are 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. The Official Cruise time down 28th Street at 4 p.m. on Saturday. However, it is not unusual to see classic cars cruising along 28th Street all weekend long.

The Woodland Mall Main Event location will offer several family-friendly activities such as live music, Car Smash, RC Car building and racing, a climbing wall, a scavenger hunt, and much more.

Also featured at the Woodland Mall will be the annual DreamWheels Red Carpet Classic Car Show on Saturday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This premiere event allows audience members to gather along a 135 foot red carpet as beautiful classic cars are revealed and roll by.

Rogers Plaza is the second Main Event location and will also provide live music, various family-friendly activities, the DYNO area, Miss Metro Cruise Finale competition, and the Wyoming High School Color Guard and Drumline.

Plan your visit

Metro Cruise Information Tents at the Main Event sites will have free, full color, printed programs. A full list of events and times can also be found here.

Learn more about Metro Cruise at 28thstreetmetrocruise.org.

Share your photos with us!

Gene Billings and daughter Cathe DeLaney, Metro Cruise 2022 (WKTV)

We want see how much fun you had at Metro Cruise!

Submit your photos from wherever you are at Metro Cruise to general@wktv.org by Monday, Aug. 28 for a chance to have them included in WKTV Journal’s photo gallery.

New organizers kick off Metro Cruise with pin up competition this Saturday

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Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin at the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor

Saturday is the kick off for the 2023 Metro Cruise kicks — which is under new organizers — with the annual Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW.

The Miss Metro Cruise event is set to start at 11 a.m., according to Walter T. Pyper. Along with Paper, Bebe Von Schweetz, a top ten Metro Cruise finalist in 2021 and 2022 and Victoria Jean, Miss Metro Cruise 2022, make up the Boss Pin-Up Babes, which is the organizer of this year’s Miss Metro Cruise. 

Pyper said there is not a lot of changes to the event with the car show running fro 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Top Ten Finalists from the preliminary round will compete for the title of Miss Metro Cruise 2023 on Saturday, Aug. 26.

A new twist to a familiar event

“We are so excited to be taking over the event,” said Molly Sheehan, aka Bebe Von Schweetz. “We are looking forward to bring new life to the program itself and to shake things up a little.”

Wyoming Kent Chamber of Commerce has handled over the reigns of
Miss Metro Cruise contestants strike up a pose. (WKTV)

Sheehan and her partners have a lot of experience in participating in pin up events like Miss Metro Cruise. Sheehan was a Top Ten finalist in 2021 and 2022 for Miss Metro Cruise and has travelled and competed in other events. She also has encouraged a number of ladies to join “the sisterhood of pin up” and participate.

“Pin up competitions are traditionally the same, but there are things you can do to spice it up a little,” Sheehan said. “We really want to think outside of the box for ideas to take Miss Metro Cruise into a different direction  and keep it fresh as we are going forward.

“We just can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s event.”

Because the group took over the event in May, Sheehan said there won’t be a lot of changes to this year’s program. Participants will be at the preliminary, posing with cars and talking to fans. Past winners might be there as well.

GReater Level takes over Metro Cruise

The Boss Pin-Up Babes are not the only new addition to the Metro Cruise, but the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce has turned over the entire Metro Cruise event, scheduled for Aug. 25 and 26, to the production company GReater Level.

Chamber President and CEO Keith Morgan, who took over as head of the Chamber last year, said he started looking at the purpose of how each chamber event supports and fits into the overall Chamber mission.

“For the past several years, Chambers, especially the ones that are our size, have really moved away from solely providing events and have increased supporting local businesses by uncovering ways we can offer more on programs for its businesses,” Morgan said, adding the programs center on workforce development, leadership training, being at the table supporting our businesses, diversity and inclusion, and other business services.

 

In fact, the Chamber recently received about $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Kent County for workforce development support and training to local businesses in the South Kent County area.

 

“This support and training will allow us to help local business access needed information, connectivity, and business education,” Morgan said. “These resources will go toward providing several services at no or low cost to local businesses that are staples in our communities. Funding will serve as a support for new businesses created because of being displaced, those diversity affected by the pandemic, as well as businesses that are striving to expand their services in a struggling market.”

The Chamber also recently developed the new initiative Diversity Business Council designed to serve business owners in underserved and underrepresented communities.

An 18-year tradition

Started in 2005, Metro Cruise, which his centered around the love of classic cars, was created as a result of M-6 being built and opened. The concern was that traffic would dissipate from 28th Street and turn a street that was once the second busiest in Michigan into an afterthought.

28th Street did struggle and iconic businesses, such as Studio 28, closed. However, in recent years, there has been development such as the city’s 28 West project and the apartment complex HOM Flats. Lindo Mexico opened a new location and longtime places, such as Marge’s Donuts, have renovated and/or expanded in the past 18 years since Metro Cruise started.

Over those 18 years, Metro Cruise has grown as well. Last year, the event had two locations in Wyoming and Kentwood. As the 2022 event closed, the remaining key Chamber members involved with Metro Cruise announced they were retiring. Morgan said he looked around the Chamber and realized they did not have the skill set to maintain the operation on a volunteer basis.

Handing over the reigns

“Financially, it is quite a big undertaking,” Morgan said. “As the Chamber Board looked at the direction the Chamber was going, the vibrancy of 28th Street, and the need for the Metro Cruise to be staged on a more professional level, it became obvious that it was time for us to hand the reigns over.”

Brandon Simmons, owner of GReater Level and who has served as the Metro Cruise project manager for the past several years, stepped up to continue the Metro Cruise legacy.

“GReater Level has served as the project manager for several years and we believed they are positioned for success with this event,” Morgan said. “We look forward to seeing how the Metro Cruise grows in its benefit to the local business along the 28th Street corridor.”

According to the 28th Street Metro Cruise, the event will again have two locations. Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.

For more information on the event, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org

28th Street Metro Cruise revs in for the weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

The 17th annual Metro Cruise gets underway today with participants able to visit two locations that bookend the 28th Street experience.

The main stage remains at Rogers Plaza, which will be a buzz of activity for both days. This year, Woodland Mall in Kentwood will be the second location, which will be packed with activities and classic cars.

Of course, the best way to check out the action, is to snag a 28th Street Metro Cruise Official Program, which is available online or purchase a hardcopy at the event. Activities at both locations start on Friday and run through 9 p.m. and then

To help you make plans, here are some highlights you won’t want to miss.

At the Rogers Plaza Main Event, there will be free shuttle service provided by The Rapid. Attendees can park at the Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW, or the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW, to catch a ride to the main stage.

On Friday, the Wyoming High School marching band will perform at 5:30 p.m. Of course, classic car corridor official opens as well.

On Saturday, there will be several events taking place. The final 10 contests for the Miss Metro Cruise will compete for the 2022 title at 3 p.m.

The popular DreamWheels production, produced by WKTV, will be filming at 7 p.m. at the east end of the Rogers Plaza parking lot.

Also, while in the area, make sure to head down to the GM Components Holding, LLC, 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW, where there will be a car show featuring the Futurliner, children’s activities, plant tours and a job fair.

At the Woodland Mall stage, the largest West Michigan Antique Fire Truck Display will be taking place most of Friday along with music, children’s activities and classic car corridor.

Saturday, the music and fun continues at the Woodland Mall with the official cruise time set for 4 p.m.

Near Woodland Mall, Berger Chevrolet will be hosting an all GM show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the 28th Street Metro Cruise website or the event’s Facebook page for updates and details.

Activities, tours planned at GM plant as part of Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

A vehicle that once showcased the future of cars and technology will be just one of several to be featured at a special 75th celebration event at the Wyoming GM-Components Holdings LLC located at 2100 Burlingame Ave. SW.

Joining forces with the 17th annual 28th Street Metro Cruise, the GM plant decided to host its 75th celebration in conjunction with the annual event. Signs will help direct Metro Cruise participants to the plant which has a day packed with activities.

Of course, one of those activities will be a car show featuring the Futurliner  No. 10, a red-and-white bus that is part of the collection of the National Automotive and Truck Museum, which is based in Auburn, Indiana. The Futurliners, there was 12 at onetime, were first manufactured as part of the 1939 New York World’s Fair and later featured in GM;s Parade Progress, a promotional caravan traveling a 150-stop route across the United States and Canada. 

The vehicles were in operation up until the mid-1950s and served in other capacities after that. In the case of the Futurliner No. 10, which is only one of nine known to be in existence, it was sold to Detroit’s Goebel Brewing company, and was renamed the “Goebel Land Cruiser.” 

Also at the show will be the GM Pride car, which is a custom Cadillac  CT5 that features a wrap of the Pride colors. The car was featured this year at the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Pride Parade.

There also will be a display of GM’s Journey to Zero Emissions featuring a few of the company’s electric cars.

Starting at noon, visitors will have the opportunity to head inside the plant for tours along with demonstrations from five local robotic teams, all of which are sponsored by GM, and a robotic demonstration by the plant’s engineering team that will be handing out some sweet treats.

In addition to the tours, the plant will also be holding a Jobs Fair. Any one interested in exploring employment at the plant can check in at the Security window in the lobby. You will be directed to the on-site Human Resource representatives who will help you through the application process.

Rounding out the day’s activities will be food trucks, children’s activities, other GM displays, and John Ball Zoo programs.

While the GM Corporate Giving has presented it’s grant awards each year at the Metro Cruise (and will again at the Rogers Plaza stage on Saturday morning), this is the first year GM has been the official headline sponsor. A company representative said this is “definitely very exciting and should be a great time. We are thrilled to be able to invite the community in.”

Grand Rapids’ Sweet Adelines join the DreamWheels TV show

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By Colleen Pierson
WKTV Community Contributor

Sweet Adelines perform on the red carpet for DreamWheels. (Supplied)

Picture This: A red carpet production featuring four-part harmony, classic cars and television production at its finest.

DreamWheels 2022 is back, taking place from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming. The red carpet classic car event featuring the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines will be available beginning Friday, Sept. 9 on WKTV on Demand.

This year’s one-hour show on the red carpet features musical entertainment from the Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines, and some of the most beautiful classics from car owners and the Grand Rapids Auto Gallery.  Among the “stars” being featured are a 1960 Cadillac, a 1931 Duesenberg, a 1954 Buick Skylark, a 1959 Cadillac couple seville, and a 1942 Chrysler Woody Wagon. 

Strong partnership

“We have had a collaboration with the Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines that goes back nearly 30 years,” said WKTV Community Media General Manager Tom Norton. “We think it is a perfect match to bring this professional ensemble to the red carpet for DreamWheels.”

There will be a number of classic cars heading down this year’s red carpet at “DreamWheels including a 1942 Chrysler Woody Wagon. (WKTV)

The Grand Rapids Chorus-Sweet Adelines Master Director Denise Van Dyken said she is very thankful for this opportunity

“We are very appreciative of the partnership,” Van Dyken said. “I thank WKTV for inviting us to participate in the DreamWheels production as part of the 2022 Metro Cruise. I’m absolutely thrilled to participate in the comeback of this amazing extravaganza. It will be such fun celebrating Grand Rapids’ timeless love affair with cars—and another American classic—barbershop harmony.”

The DreamWheels production will take place during the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 28th Street Metro Cruise, which is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27. Starting Friday night, classic cars and car lovers will meet up at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall for an array of events, activities and music. For a complete schedule of the 28th Street Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.org

92-year-old Kentwood resident shares his love of Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Business, , ,

Father and daughter, Gene Billings and Cathe DeLaney, pose in front of dad’s prized possession, a souped up 2011 Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)



By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

“Just hold on.”

That was the directive 92-year-old Kentwood resident, Gene Billings, gave this WKTV writer as his daughter, Cathe DeLaney, led the way to his 2011 Silverado truck, keys dangling from her fingertips.


It proved to be sound advice as the speedometer of the Silverado climbed rapidly under DeLaney’s guidance.

An attendee of almost every 28th Street Metro Cruise, and with the t-shirts to prove it, Billings is no stranger to speed and high-performance vehicles. His love of Metro Cruise shows in his dedication to attending the popular event each year.

Though Billings’ Silverado isn’t a “Classic Car” like most featured in the Cruise, it can outrun many of those acclaimed classics.

“It dynoed at 498 at the wheels, faster than most Corvettes,” Delaney said. “He’s (Billings) about to run out of things he can do to up its performance.”

Where the cars are the stars

The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 17th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise event on August 26 and 27 at Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall.



It’s a family-friendly, two-day event featuring over 25 food trucks and concessionaires, five bands on the Metro Main Stage, free shuttle service, Miss Metro Cruise Finale, kids’ events and activities, a Dyno car testing platform, Community Awards Ceremony, Donut Competition, 35 sponsor booths with giveaways and games, the famous Collector Car Row consisting of over 400 collector cars, and much more. All free to the public.

Official cruise time

Spanning 13 miles of 28th Street, the official Cruise time is set for 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26. For one hour, Metro Cruise encourages all classic, muscle, antique, modified and sports car owners to cruise 28th Street – starting and ending where they choose. 

Billings has shared his love of speed and performance vehicles with his daughter Cathe DeLaney, who attends the Metro Cruise with her father each year. DeLaney deems the Cruise the highlight of their year, saying, “That’s pretty much our Christmas. We look forward to that so much.

Kentwood resident and Metro Cruise fan Gene Billing’s Chevy Silverado. (WKTV)

“The Metro Cruise is kind of neat, it’s a big mix.



“They have classic cars, they have muscle cars, they have old Model T’s.



“Rogers Plaza is just crazy, there are so many people there.

“Where the cars are the stars.”

An estimated 275,000 attendees

Metro Cruise annually attracts more than 15,000 Collector/Sports/Antique cars to the Grand Rapids area, and an estimated 275,000 people to its related events from across North America.

But it gained its popularity from car lovers in West Michigan, such as Billings and DeLaney.

Born in Flint, Billings is a native to the Grand Rapids area.

“His Dad worked for GM Fisher Body over here on 36th and Buchanan,” DeLaney said. “He grew up in the car industry, but didn’t want to work at the factory.”

Billings agreed, his interest leaning toward sprucing up his personal vehicles and racing for his own enjoyment.

“I’ve had all sorts of cars,” Billings said. “Dad was always trading his in every year and I’d get his leftovers.”

Billings lamented that his father never bought anything good enough to race.

“I tried to talk him into it, but he wasn’t interested,” he explained. “Dad had no comprehension on what a performance car was. The first car I got from him was a ’55 Chevy 6-cylinder station wagon. I said, ‘Oh boy, that’s a thrill,’” Billings said with a chuckle.

That was not the case with Billings, however, who would “tweak” his cars with “this and that” since he was a teen, finally settling on his beloved 2011 Chevy Silverado.

Metro Cruise fan Gene Billings with his vast collection of t-shirts. (Cathe DeLaney)


DeLaney said Billings can’t add many more “bells and whistles,” having already increased the truck’s performance and custom features to its maximum capacity.

“Whenever it’s convenient, I go down and run the track,” Billings said of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin.



The Motorsports Park is a noted drag-racing strip founded in 1962 that now features a renovated track for modern events.

The Silverado’s best speed was 102 mph in the ¼ mile at the Motorsports Park’s straight track. But DeLaney confessed that she has seen the Silverado reach 150 mph.

Always looking for a race

“He is always looking for someone to race on the highway (mostly Camaros and Mustangs),” DeLaney said. “You don’t expect that much horsepower out of a truck. He’s like a shark.”

In fact, sharks are displayed prominently on Billings’ Silverado. When asked why he chose a shark, Billings replied, “Because it bites.”

“Mustangs are a great target,” Billings said with a grin. “I like to surprise them.”

DeLaney said he loves to come up to the line and be No. 1.

“Most (other drivers) back down at a certain speed, but they have longer to live than he does,” she added with a laugh.

The father-daughter duo still takes a weekly cruise together in the Silverado, alternating driving duties. When asked if they have ever received a ticket for their speed, Billings admitted, “I got pulled over once just outside of Sparta, and the cop was more interested in the truck than in giving a ticket.”

Billings and DeLaney plan to attend the Metro Cruise this year just as they have in years past.

For more information, visit here: 28th Street Metro Cruise

Miss Metro Cruise narrows the field down to 10

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Recreation, , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org

A total of 17 women participated in this year’s Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries. (WKTV)

Miss Annie Wilde had an outfit picked out for the Miss Metro Cruise preliminary competition, but as fate would have it, she ended up having to demonstrate one of the key traits of being a pinup: how to make lemonade out of lemons.

“I had two outfits picked out and well, I spilled coffee on my first outfit this morning,” said Miss Annie Wilde (Olivia Anne McCoy). “So I went with my second choice which I love because it is a romper and I love rompers because they are so cute and it has polka dots. I feel the whole outfit expresses my fun personality.”

In the back, the other contestants shouted and clapped in support as McCoy finished her question about how she selected her outfit for the preliminary event. About 17 women came out to the Wyoming Moose Lodge this past Saturday (July 9) to participate in the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries, which narrowed the field down to the top 10 who advanced to the finals. Those finals will take place on the Metro Cruise main stage at Rogers Plaza Aug. 27.

This year’s top 10

Each contestant had the opportunity to show off her individual style by greeting the crowd and then answered a selected question presented by host Kent County 13th District Commissioner Monica Sparks. The judges included 2021 Miss Metro Cruise Dr. Jules Kelvin (Juliette Brown). The panel of three scored the contestants on a number of factors such as pose, interaction with the audience, and positivity.

“I participate in Miss Metro Cruise because it is a wonderful platform to spread messages of encouragement and strength for women and strength for education as well,” said Aurora Re’Belle (Erin Wiseman-Parkin). “Education and beauty can go hand-and-hand and we love that.”

Aurora Re’Belle is one of the finalists who will be at the Metro Cruise. The other contestants include BeBe Von Schweetz (Molly Sheehan), Miss Pusskatt (Cassie Truskowski), Teena Marée (Krystina McNamara), Gigi Martini (Sarah Gillman), Victoria Jean (Cathy Swanson), Fiona DeVille (Erin Sarber), Bunny Hopps Von Schweetz (Amy Holland), and Ms. Adella Mae (Alisha Metz).

Being part of the sisterhood

“This is actually my first time,” said Bunny Hopps Von Schweetz (Amy Holland). “I do this because of my best friend Molly, BeBe Von Schweetz. She has been having a great time and really enjoying the community and the sisterhood, so I thought I would give it a try because why not find some wonderful people and spend some great time with them.”

BeBe Von Schweetz (Molly Sheehan) said she enjoys being a part of a sisterhood that is so supportive towards each other and in people in general.

“We are all in this together. If are a little nicer to each other, give a little more smiles with a little bit of that sass and we will all do a little better,” BeBe Von Schweetz said.

While she did not make the top ten, Miss Annie Wilde found lots of encouragement after the competition. Other contestants, including Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Jules Kelvin, were there to offer tips and support, which Miss Annie Wilde said she appreciated. She also plans to return for next year’s competition.

“I did Miss Metro Cruise because I love the Grand Rapids area,” she said. “I have lived here most of my life. So coming back to the city and really being able to dive into something I love has really been a great opportunity for me.”

A picture perfect day brought the cars out for Metro Cruise’s annual dust off

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Non-Profits, Our Cities, , , ,

By Aaron Robins
WKTV Community Contributor

The sun was out along with many spectators gathered at the Wyoming Moose Lodge to admire new and classic cars for Metro Cruise’s annual Dust Off event this past Saturday.

Car owners came in from around West Michigan putting their best vehicles out for display. The first 75 classic car participants that showed up were awarded free t-shirts. As they enjoyed the cars, guests were also treated to food, drinks and a chance to meet some of the girls from the Miss Metro Cruise competition.

 

Jene Billings, of Kentwood and his daughter Cathy DeLaney, of Middleville, often attend Metro Cruise events together. (WKTV)

“You can see by the participation that people are coming out in droves,” said Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the annual Metro Cruise that will run Aug. 26 and 27. “I think people are looking for it. They’re ready for it. And by having Metro Cruise, it gives them another opportunity to express their interest and desire to get back out.”

The Metro Cruise is put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to help bring business to the local community and give residents a chance to show off their stuff. Jene Billings, 90, from Kentwood and his daughter Cathy DeLaney, 65, from Middleville, enjoyed the sun as they displayed a new truck.

“I wanted to show my truck off and look at all of the good iron that shows up out here. That’s it, just have a good day.” said Billing said, with his daughter Cathy DeLaney adding that the he and his daughter come out to Metro Cruise every year and even have a specific spot they spend that lets the show come to them.

Alan Wright, 78, from Wyoming, is also no stranger to the Metro Cruise. He brought out his 1958 Ford Thunderbird, a car that he also had when he and his wife got married back in 1966.

“As years went by and uh… the kids got through school and got married, I wanted another classic car so I bought a (19)58 Thunderbird,” said Wright, who is one of 10 drivers who bring the Miss Metro Cruise up to the main state during Metro Cruise.

Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin was out encouraging people to participate in the 2022 Miss Metro Cruise competition. (WKTV)

Miss Metro Cruise 2021 Dr. Joules Kelvin attended the annual Dust Off event, meeting with potential contestants of the competition. The preliminary competition for Miss Metro Cruise will take place on July 9. The primary narrows the contestants down to 10 finalists who will compete at Metro Cruise in August. Kelvin’s advice for newcomers was to “Just come do it.”

 

“Anybody can do this, it’s just a matter of relaxing and giving it a try,” said Kelvin.

This year’s Metro Cruise, Aug. 26 and 27, will also have a second event following the same format as the Rogers Plaza event, happening at Woodland Mall. The collector cars, food trucks, bands, and some other entertainment will be featured at the event according to 28th Street Metro Cruise Event Manager Brandon Simmons. Visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page for more information on upcoming events.

Cascade Township to host ‘Metro Cruise Warm-Up’ all-ages event on Thursday, Aug. 26

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The 28th Street Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28 in Wyoming and Kentwood. But Cascade will host a “Warm-Up” — with lots of fun and cars — on Thursday, Aug. 26. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up returns to Cascade Township where it will welcome classic car lovers and community members of all ages.

This year’s event will take place from 4:30-8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 26, in the parking lot at Fowling Warehouse Grand Rapids, 6797 Cascade Road SE. The free-to-attend event will feature activities for car enthusiasts, music lovers, families and children, including classic show cars, music by The Soul Syndicate, and face painting and balloon sculpting for the little ones.

There will also be variety of dinner and dessert options available from local food trucks, including Patty Matters, The Grilled Greek, O’Hana Ice and Mexcellente.

“The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up is a wonderful way for residents of all ages to get outdoors, have fun and connect with neighbors,” Sandra Korhorn, Cascade Township economic development director, said in supplied material. “We are beyond excited to return this year and gather with the community to listen to great music, grab a bite to eat and, of course, admire dozens of classic cars.”

The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up leads into the 28th Street Metro Cruise, West Michigan’s premiere auto cruise and car show set for Friday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 28, at Wyoming’s Rogers Plaza and Kentwood’s Woodland Mall.

Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm-Up will also feature a silent auction that will benefit the Kent County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office will auction off two ride-alongs with the K-9 Unit. Each ride-along will consist of a six-hour patrol shift that will “give participants the opportunity to see the role of law enforcement from a unique perspective,” according to supplied material. Participants must be 18 years or older and pass a criminal background check. The K-9 Unit will also perform a live demonstration at 7 p.m.

For more information on the Cascade Metro Cruise Warm-Up visit the Township’s website or the event’s Facebook page.

Metro Cruise, looking east for cruise extension and more exposure, partners with Woodland Mall

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, Woodland Mall, ,
Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, talks about the chamber’s Metro Cruise expanding out to a second location in 2021, at the Woodland Mall.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

People who have a history of cruising with the 28th Street Metro Cruise know it once extended from Cascade to Wyoming, with Woodland Mall a good middle point turnaround for some.

Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the hosting organization of the Metro Cruise, would like to see those days return.

But this year, just having the event extend its footprint and have a presence at Woodland Mall is a big step in the right direction.

“Woodland (Mall) has been an endpoint for a lot of folks going east,” O’Callaghan said to WKTV. “We are trying to get more people in Cascade, or whatever, doing events that go all the way, the full 13 miles. But at this point Woodland has been a great way to do that.”

The 28th Street Metro Cruise officially kicks-off Friday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m., at its usual and main location at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming, and will continue Saturday, Aug. 28.

Rogers Plaza mall parking lot in Wyoming is always a focal point for the 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKACC)

As in past years, the Rogers Plaza mall parking lot will feature food trucks and concessionaires, hundreds of collector cars, a kid’s entertainment area, a community awards ceremony, the crowd-favorite Miss Metro Cruise competition finals, live music on the Metro-Main Stage, and the popular Dynamometer car testing area where attendees can see cars rev up to 160 mph. (For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.)

But at the second Main Event site, located on the off 28th Street at Woodland Mall, on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars. It will also feature multiple food vendors including local food trucks, and official Metro Cruise merchandise.
 

“The good thing about this event here at Woodland Mall is that it is an opportunity for some of the folks in Cascade, Ada, who usually drive down to Rogers Plaza but don’t want to, have a closer venue,” O’Callaghan said. “We’ll have a lot of folks come into see the cars, and we’ll have a lot of folks just want see what it is. … It is a great opportunity for people to come in, park, look at the cars, and have a good time.”

O’Callaghan also expressed gratitude to the management of Woodland Mall for working with the Metro Cruise — “We are glad to have them be part of this for this year and hope it grows.”

And Woodland Mall is happy to be part of the festivities.

“We are looking forward again to welcoming the 28th Street Metro Cruise to Woodland Mall,” Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall, said to WKTV. “In addition to providing shoppers and guests with an excellent selection of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings, we also host many free events and programs for the community to enjoy year-round. … Metro Cruise is one of many events we’ve been grateful to be a part of again this year to bring the West Michigan community together.”

Snapshots: Car talk and a look at what’s coming next

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

“As children, we all live in a world of imagination, of fantasy, and for some of us that world of make-believe continues into adulthood.”

Puppeteer and Muppets creator Jim Henson

You’ve Got a Friend

George Keen, left, and Ralph Baker on The Racing Show, taped by WKTV in January, 2020. (WKTV)

George Keen was a friend and mentor for many at WKTV. Known as the face of the popular “The Racing Show,” George would lend his natural broadcast talents to a number of WKTV projects such as DreamWheels at Metro Cruise and the sports show. General Manager Tom Norton writes “Something tells me that if Heaven has racing and they want the new guy to ‘call the race,’ everyone back here who knew George would recommend him highly.” WKTV thanks George’s family for sharing this man of many talents with us.

Revving up for Metro Cruise

It’s hard to believe that Metro Cruise is only a week away, but it is! The largest car show in West Michigan has a ton of events including a Wyoming versus Kentwood chicken wings challenge. Of courses, the cars will be the cente point with them lined up along 28th Street. Bonus: this year there will be two main locations, Rogers Plaza and Woodland Mall. For more on this year’s event, click here. For a look at past events, click here. The Metro Cruise schedule is available at wktvjournal.org and 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Forward Thinking

Scenes form “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”, coming to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this fall. (SEE Attractions)

ArtPrize is on the horizon for Sept. 16 – Oct. 3 but there are several other cool events coming into Grand Rapids this fall as well. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will be hosting “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition.” The immersive visual experience is set to open Oct. 22. The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the work of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish, members of the Gun Lake Tribe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band. The two are renowned for their artistry in black ash basketry. And the John Ball Zoo recently announced it will bring back IllumiZoo Wild Hues this fall. Guests will be able to stroll through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with lighting and sounds. IllumiZoo will run Sept. 3 to Nov. 14.

La Marquise, the oldest running car in the world. (Public Domain)

Fun Fact: 137 years old and still running

Currently holding the title of the oldest running car is the La Marquise from France. The vehicle was manufactured in 1884 by De Dion, Bouton, and Trepardoux. The car was built as a prototype named after De Dion’s mother, and it was based on a quadricycle design. In 1987, an Englishman bought the car from a French auction and brought it home. After working on the car, he was able to get it running and it was the oldest car in the 1996 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The car was given the number “0” for the race. In a 2011 auction, the car sold for more than four and half million dollars. It is in a private collection.

WKTV’s commitment to, and coverage, of Metro Cruise runs decades deep; catch some highlights

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Going Local, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
The 2013 Metro Cruise, filmed by WKTV. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

Since 2005, the 28th Street Metro Cruise has been an annual event put on by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, but “cruising 28th Street” has been a “thing” long before then — people have grown up cruising up and down 28th Street, maybe first with their father and now with their children.

Cruisers have long considered 28th Street a memorable place for car lovers, particularly around the Rogers Plaza area in Wyoming, and “Bringing car lovers together to celebrate this long-standing tradition was the foundation for the current event,” the chamber states on their website.
 

And WKTV Community Media has been covering the 28th Street Metro Cruise since its inception.

“WKTV Community Media has for nearly half a century been part of the Wyoming and Kentwood community and, with Metro Cruise being one of largest gatherings of our community, we have a long history with the event,” Tom Norton, general manger of WKTV Community Media, said. “We have covered it in many ways over the years. Rain or shine. Big and smaller. The cars change but our commitment to coverage has not.”

For just a sampling of WKTV’s coverage, and some recent YouTube highlights, see the following links:

The History of Metro Cruise


Even in the COVID-19 year of 2020, WKTV got creative and still offered up a show.



In 2017, a car show met Hollywood premiere as WKTV brought classic vehicles to the red carpet.



In 2018, WKTV looked at what “classic sports and performance cars” might look like in the future.



2014 Metro Cruise Live



For more information and schedule of events visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Large crowds expected at this year’s Metro Cruise

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, WKTV Projects, ,
Metro Cruise takes place Aug. 27 and 28. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

With the attendance at the Metro Cruise Dust Off and at the Miss Metro Cruise preliminaries almost double in past years, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob O’Callaghan is pretty confident that this year’s Metro Cruise will also have an increase in attendance.

Set for Aug. 27 and 28, the annual car show has previously drawn about 250,000 people city-wide to dozens of events along 28th Street. Because 2020 had no events due to the COVID pandemic, O’Callaghan said he has seen a huge interest in people wanting to get out and do something this summer. Not only has that been proven with the Metro Cruise’s earlier events but both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood have reported high attendance for the municipalities summer concert series.

 

“So we know people are ready to get out and show their cars,” O’Callaghan said. “We are hoping for a great weekend.”

In response to post-COVID surges seen at other events, Metro Cruise organizers have made some changes for this year’s event. More portable restrooms and hand wash stations have been added. Multiple stations along the main walkway will have hand sanitizer. Collector car parking areas have been shifted further from walkways. The number of vendors also have been decrease in an effort to increase spacing between attendees.

The event will not operate at reduce numbers, nor will mask wearing or six-foot distancing be enforced, unless any Kent County Healthy Department, state or federal mandates are put back in place before the Metro Cruise weekend. 

“We encourage all attendees to be smart,” said Event Manager Brandon Simmons. “If you’re sick with COVID-like symptoms, or have recently been exposed to someone who tested positive, please plan to visit us next year. If you do attend, wear a mask if desired and keep some space around you.”

As for the event, it is going to be bigger than last year with the addition of a second anchor location, Woodland Mall. which will be open on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The Woodland Mall location will feature a wide array collector, sports, and antique cars along with activities.

A preview event is set for Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6 – 8 p.m. at Rivertown Ridge, 3555 Copper River Ave. SW. The main event will take place Aug. 27 and 28 at Rogers Plaza parking lot. Rogers Plaza will feature more than 20 food trucks and concessionaires, 400 collector cars, kids entertainment area, Community Awards ceremony and the Miss Metro Cruise competition finale, area bands, and the Dynamometer car testing area.

At the 2019 event, there was a donut challenge between the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming. The mayors of both cities have been encouraging another event this year, so Metro Cruise will be hosting the Duel of the Cities chicken wing challenge between Wyoming’s Brann’s Steakhouse and Kentwood’s Candied Yam, O’Callaghan said. The event is set for 11 a.m. Aug. 28 at Rogers Plaza.


But the main attraction of Metro Cruise is the cars, O’Callaghan said.

“We get [the cars] from all over the place and it is the whole 13 miles of 28th Street, It is not just our two locations,” O’Callaghan said. “A lot of folks are doing different events as the week goes on.”

The most important aspect of the Metro Cruise is having people support the local businesses, he said.

 

“So have a burger or purchase a t-shirt from the businesses that are along 28th Street,” he said. 

2020 Metro Cruise cancelled, WKTV moves forward with Dream Wheels show

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

WKTV Community Media does plan to broadcast and live stream its Dream Wheels classic car show in August. (WKTV)

While the 2020 Metro Cruise has been cancelled this year, auto car enthusiasts still will be able to enjoy a host of classic cars as WKTV Community Media will be broadcasting its popular Dream Wheels classic car show in August.

The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce announced today that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made the decision to cancel the 28th Street Metro Cruise for 2020.

The event was scheduled to take place for its 16th consecutive year on Aug. 21-22 on the 13-mile long stretch of 28th Street from Grandville to Cascade Charter Township. The central hub of the event takes place at Rogers Plaza in Wyoming, which features the famous Collector Car Row, local bands, event merchandise and more.

“While it is very unfortunate the pandemic has affected our society and events in so many ways, WKTV Community Media is committed to helping to keep the home fires for Metro Cruise burning,” said WKTV General Manager Tom Norton. “We’ve been in the planning stages for the televised coverage of Metro Cruise for the last few months and will be shifting to a live and streamed classic car program for 2020.”

Dream Wheels has become a popular attraction during Metro Cruise hosting a number of rare cars and popular favorites. Norton said plans for this year’s show will again focus on lots of car classics.

“At this stage, we can say that the program will feature many classic vehicles from the region, but without general public attendance,” Norton said. “We encourage everyone to stay with WKTV Journal to get more updates on the program as they develop and we heartily encourage everyone to continue to follow all rules and guidelines so we can see the COVID pandemic in the rear view mirror.”

Metro Cruise was started in 2005 to help drive traffic to 28th Street after M-6 was opened. (WKTV)

Started in 2005 to help drive business to the 28th Street corridor when the M-6 highway system opened on the south end of Grand Rapids, the Metro Cruise has become a known and loved West Michigan’s premiere car event. The Metro Cruise typically draws more than 275,000 people annually from across the United States and includes approximately 15,000 vehicles such as hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques and motorcycles, in additional to numerous live events. 

“This event has become a community tradition, and we always look forward to welcoming car lovers from around the country into our communities each year,” said Bob O’Callaghan, president and CEO the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “While it appears our state may begin to gradually reopen this summer, the event still poses a potential high risk of spreading COVID-19 in our community and beyond. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Chamber agreed it cannot risk a second wave of infection in a state that already has experienced enough loss. This was an extremely difficult decision for the Chamber to make, but the right one in light of health concerns for our community.”

The event is planned to return Aug. 20-21, 2021. For more information on the event, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,

People in north Michigan are not different at all from people in southern Alabama. Trust me, someone who’s spent a lot of time in both places. They’re all hardworking, simple people.

Musician Kid Rock


By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Two for the price of one

The 28th Street Metro Cruise organizers announced this week that Woodland Mall will be a second main event spot for the 2020 28th Street Metro Cruise. The new location, which will be open only on Aug. 22, will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars along with other activities. Of course the main event will remain at Rogers Plaza and will include many of the activities that are popular at the 28th Street Metro Cruise. For more information, click here.

Tag teaming against cancer

Stating Jan. 1, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Mercy Health and Michigan Medicine launched the new initiative the Cancer Network of West Michigan. The initiative is designed to integrate cancer care services in West Michigan with the goal of bringing broader access to advanced, state-of-the-art, comprehensive diagnosis treatment and support across leading health care institutions. How will this impact patient care? Click here to find out.

Leslie Odom Jr. (Photo by Nathan Johnson)

‘Hamilton!’ Fever

If you did not get a chance to see “Hamilton!” or just did not get enough, the Grand Rapids Symphony has some great news: Leslie Odom, Jr. who originated the role of Aaron Burr in the musical will be performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony in its 2020-21 season. This and the symphony’s Classical Series lineup was announced this week. Don’t miss your shot by clicking here to learn more.

Happy Quasquicentennial!

Mackinac State Historic Parks mark its 125th anniversary this year with lots of celebrating planned throughout the year. Mackinac Island was actually the second national state park, designated in 1875. The park was turned over to the State of Michigan in 1895 at the request of then Governor John T. Rich with a condition: that the area remain a state park or the land would revert back to the United States. For more information on the 125th Anniversary activities, visit mackinacparks.com/mackinac125.

Woodland Mall to be second main event site for 28th Street Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, ,
The 28th Street Metro Cruise draws nearly 250,000 people to the annual event. This year, the event will have a second location at Woodland Mall. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

The 28th Street Metro Cruise® organizers announced the expansion of the popular summertime event to include a second main event site at Kentwood’s Woodland Mall. 

Rogers Plaza has been the sole “official” site of Metro Cruise® for the past 10 years.  Attracting nearly 100,000 people in two days, the main site has grown significantly during the past few years. It now features more than 25 food vendors, 400 collector cars, kid’s entertainment area, Community Awards ceremony, Miss Metro Cruise® competition finale, five top area bands, and the popular Dynamometer car testing area where cars rev to 160 mph.

The new second main event site which will be located in the large southwest parking lot of the Woodland Mall, 3195 28thSt. SE, will be open Aug. 22 from 11 a.m to 8 p.m.  The Woodland Mall location will feature a wide array of collector, sports, and antique cars. It will also have multiple food vendors including popular local food trucks, entertainment for kid’s, and three local bands. A new feature unique to this site will be the Safe City elements – which will include an impaired driving course, jaws of life demonstration, and a distracted driving simulator.

Overall, Metro Cruise® draws nearly 250,000 people city-wide to dozens of events along 28thSt. With the expansion on the east side, those numbers are expected to be exceeded this year.

“We are very excited to increase the reach and footprint of Metro Cruise®”, said Bob O’Callaghan, President and CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our group has been researching this expansion for the past couple years, and the time is now right. This move allows us to have an official presence on the east side of 28th Street, while easing the very high attendance at the Rogers Plaza location.”

The partnership with the immediately recognizable location of the Woodland Mall was a major factor in this new partnership. “Our top choice for a site was the Woodland Mall,” O’Callagha said. “They are a major player along 28th Street.”

The Rogers Plaza site will remain the largest site of Metro Cruise®, with all elements returning for this year’s event, including a free shuttle service courtesy of the Rapid partnership. The famous Collector Car Row, the lineup of 200-plus show cars along 28th Street, will be featured each day. The Main Event at Rogers Plaza (972 28thStreet SW) will be Friday, Aug. 21 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The next big event for the Metro Cruise will be the annual Dust-Off which will take place May 4 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW.

 

For more information and schedule of events visit www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com.  Follow the Metro Cruise on Facebook (f/metrocruise) and Instagram (@metrocruise). The 28th Street Metro Cruise® is owned and managed by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Dream Wheels, Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Only one is a wanderer; two together are always going somewhere.”

Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton from ‘Vertigo’

The cars are here!
The cars are here!

Ladies and gentlemen, the days you’ve all been waiting for — this year’s Metro Cruise is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24, and it’s packed with more to do and see, according to organizers. Started 15 years ago by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses and patrons to travel the “Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids,” the annual event has become a two-day car extravaganza with more than 100,000 people attending. Go here for the scoop.

Pick out your partner
and join in the fun

Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, this weekend Friday-Sunday, Aug. 23-25, and there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk. Fun activities during the festival include music, dancing, authentic Polish food, the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and more. Learn all about it here.

Who’s the Faire-est one of all?

Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. It happens Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10am-5pm at the GRPM. More info here.

No Alabama tonight

Courtesy Alabama

Hey, they really wanted to continue their 50th Anniversary Tour at the VanAndel Arena tonight, but lead singer Randy Owen’s ongoing complications with cluster migraines and vertigo have laid him low. The group had hoped to continue its record-breaking 50-city tour, however, doctors have advised more time is needed for Owen to fully recover. Rescheduled dates for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fun fact:

Could be rocks in your head…
or a migraine

Jimmy Stewart in ‘Vertigo’

Alabama’s lead singer, Randy Owen joins roughly 69 million people—nearly one-third of people over the age of 40 in the U.S.—who experience vertigo at least once in their lives. Curiously, dancing can make it better. Hey! Hie thee down to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival this weekend and put it to the test.


For the love of cars: Metro Cruise marks 15 years

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , , ,

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

You sometimes hear it said that America’s love affair with cars peaked in the 1960s and has since started to fade. Anyone who believes that has probably not ventured a trip down 28th Street during the annual Metro Cruise, because if they had, they would be quick to discover that America’s love affair with cars is stronger than ever.

Started 15 years ago by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses and patrons to travel the “Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids,” the annual event has become a two-day car extravaganza with more than 100,000 people attending. This year’s Metro Cruise is Friday and Saturday Aug. 23 and 24, and it’s packed with more to do and see, according to organizers.

New this year will be a 4 p.m. Official Cruise along 28th Street. (WKTV)

“The stars are the cars,” as Chamber President /CEO Bob O’Callaghan likes to say. There will definitely be plenty of cars with the Main Event, located at Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW, featuring nearly 400 stationary collector cars, which does not count the cars that will be cursing 28th Street or featured at other business along the road such as Berger Chevrolet.

Read how one local man blended the old and new in his 1955 Chevrolet Pickup

Berger Chevrolet, 2525 28th St. SE, again will be hosting its All GM Show on Saturday, Aug. 24. The free event, which is open to the public, will feature NHRA drag racer and 2017 NHRA Drag Racing Series Top Fuel dragster champion Brittany Force and her father, drag racer John Force.

WKTV Community Media will produce a one-hour special live broadcast at Metro Cruise scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, on WKTVLive.org as well as on WKTV Comcast Cable Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and, later on demand at WKTV.org.



There are a host of activities taking place at The Main Event located at Rogers Plaza: Those activities include:

A Blind Donut Taste Test is at 10 a. m. Saturday. The first 100 people will get the opportunity to blind taste test donuts from Wyoming’s Marge’s Donut Den and Kentwood’s Cindy’s Donuts and Ice Cream and then tell judges which donut they felt was the best.

Dynamometer, or Dyno, will return, allowing cars to rev up to more than 160 mph. There is a fee to participate in the Dynamometer. Visit 28thStreetMetroCruise.com for more information.

Metro Cruise Tours is new this year. Five different times at the Main Event at Rogers Plaza, an expert in the car world will be leading walking tours down Collector Car Row. The tour, which is free, is an opportunity to see some very special cars, meet the owners, and hear their stories.

Read about a 1951 Chevrolet Pickup Truck that will be at the 2019 Metro Cruise that holds a special family bond.

Official Cruise Time is another new addition. Any collector car owner participating in the 2019 Metro Cruise is invited to participate in the official Cruise, which is at 4 p.m Saturday. Cars may enter or exit anywhere along 28th Street as there is no lead car. The goal, according to organizers, is to create a one- to two-hour concentration of collector cars along 28th Street. 

The final round for the Miss Metro Cruise contest will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Main Event stage. The field of contestants was whittled down at the June preliminaries to 10 finalists who will compete on Saturday for the title of 2019 Miss Metro Cruise. 

The final round of the Miss Metro Cruise contest takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday. (WKTV)

Also at the Main Event will be 26 food vendors, including 16 food trucks, 35 local vendors, and official Metro Cruise souvenirs. There also will be music featuring five area bands. On Friday will be Flexadecibel (funk soul, rock) and Onager (rock, pop, country), and on Saturday will be Stolen Horses (country), La Aria del Ritmo (Latin) and Azz Izz (pop, R&M, Top 40). Activities at the Main Event at Rogers Plaza are from 4 – 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.

Through a partnership with The Rapids, there will be a free shuttle service. The shuttle will pick up and drop off attendees at the Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway, and the Wyoming library, 3350 Michael every 20 to 30 minutes during the peak times on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24.

There are other Metro Cruise-related activities happening on Thursday, Aug. 22, as well. The Cascade Metro Cruise Warm Up, Cascade Road and 28th Street, will feature more than 200 cars, a live DJ, food vendors, and activities for the children. This event runs from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Also, the Blessing of the Cars, at Wesley Park United Methodist Church, 1150 32nd St. SE. The event runs from 6-7 p.m. More than 100 show cars are expected. No registration is required.

For more about this year’s Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com or follow the Facebook Page, Metro Cruise.

Miss Metro Cruise: Cars not only beauties unveiled at Metro Cruise’s annual kickoff

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Local Business, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The 15th Annual Metro Cruise, hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, is still a summer-full of fun away — the event is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24 — but the wheels are already rolling toward the big event.

The chamber hosted the 6th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise Dust Off in early May at the Moose Lodge on Burlingame Avenue SW, when the Miss Metro Cruise contest (formerly the Pin Up Girl contest) was also officially introduced. The next steps in the contest will be the preliminaries set to take place, Sunday, July 13, also at the Moose Lodge, with the finals set for Aug. 24 on the Metro Cruise Main Stage.

“The sixth annual Dust Off is our first event of the Metro Cruise car season,” Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber, said to WKTV at the May event. “We have over 100 cars here. This kinds of kicks off the guys going to all the (local car) events.”

It was also the kick off of the re-engineered Miss Metro Cruise contest.

“The way the girls dress, it is more in eras, not like the old (pin-up) calendar thing you’d see in the past,” O’Callaghan said. “It is really a classy operation, so we thought we’d change the name to reflect the Metro Cruise.”

And while WKTV Journal was at the Dust Off, WKTV Community Media is deep in plans for its production of a 1-hour special live broadcast scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, on WKTV Comcast Channel 25, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, as well as being live-streamed and, later, on-demand on WKTV.org .

“Each Metro Cruise is one of our highlights in covering the hyperlocal stories of Wyoming and Kentwood,” said Tom Norton, general manager of WKTV Community Media. “The Chamber of Commerce does an outstanding job of putting on a true community event that has become a staple of summertime. We’re looking forward to our one-hour, live broadcast on Friday night from Metro Cruise.

“Tune in for all the close-ups before you come out and discover Metro Cruise 2019, ” Norton added. “We encourage residents to come to 28th Street and be part of the fun, but they can also be part of fun by viewing our live show, which will also be available in cable replays and on-demand, as well as following our complete online coverage of the event.”

The Metro Cruise is an annual event that “invites car lovers and enthusiasts to reminisce and commemorate the vehicles that have driven down 28th Street for decades,” according to supplied material. The event brings in more than $3 million in business to the 28th Street corridor over the course of two days, with more that 250,000 attendees at an event staffed solely by volunteers.

Some of the Miss Metro Cruise contestants at the Dust Off. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

The Miss Metro Cruise contest is an contest that features women dressing in eras from the 1920s, 1960s, to modern-day in full hair, makeup, and costume. Currently there is about 30 participants, with a July 13 preliminary contest to select the top 10 finalists. Each finalist will receive personalized trading cards and a chance to be named Miss Metro Cruise 2019 with the top three finalists set to receive a cash prize.

 
For more information about Metro Cruise 2019, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com .

Metro Cruise Dust-Off, deadline for Miss Metro Cruise contest this Saturday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , ,
1956 Corvette

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Saturday’s weather is predicted to be a nice 67 degrees, a perfect day to bring those classic cars out of storage.

The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 6th Annual 28th Street Metro Cruise Dust Off Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. It is the first official event of the 15th annual Metro Cruise, which this year will take place on Aug. 23 and 24.

The annual Dust-Off has become a tradition and a kick-off to the summer car shows with car owners finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

The event, according to Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Chamber, usually brings in a 100 to 150 cars, depending on the weather. The first 50 collector car owners to the Dust-Off will receive a free Dust-Off shirt, which has become a collector’s item. 

To learn more about the Metro Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

The Metro Cruise Dust-Off is Saturday, May 4

This year’s Dust-Off also will featured contestants for the Miss Metro Cruise contest (formerly the Pin Up Girl contest.) The annual contest features women dressing in eras from the 1920s, 1960s, to modern-day in full hair, makeup, and costume to present their best rockability look. Miss Metro Cruise has become a popular facet to the Metro Cruise program, according O’Callgahan.

“We are always pleased to see how the women take their time to showcase their professional and classy self-expressions,” he said. “It is a true artistry they present and has become a staple in the event.”

Deadline to submit for the Miss Metro Cruise contest is Saturday, May 4, at noon. Contestants must submit a headshot along with a full body shot at the time of entry. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. To enter, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com/2019MissMetroCruise. 

Currently there is about 30 participants all ready registered for the contest. Participants will attend the preliminary contest set for July 13 at 110:30 a.m. at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #736 located at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. They will be competing for an opportunity to win a spot within the top 10 finalists. Each finalist will receive a personalized trading cards and appear on the 28th Street Metro Cruise Contest main stage on Saturday, Aug. 24, for a change to be named Miss Metro Cruise 2019. The top three finalists will receive a cash prize.

WKTV’s Metro Cruise 2018 coverage included a look at possible ‘future’ classics

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Dream Wheels, Going Local, Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, WKTV Projects, ,

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

 

While the 2018 Metro Cruise was all about classic cars of the past, a scan of this year’s Cruise entries, especially the muscle cars and sports cars, makes evident that what was once futuristic in style and technology has always been part of what has made a car an eventual classic.

 

As part of its DreamWheels 2018 coverage of the Metro Cruise event, held Aug. 23-25, WKTV took a look at how technological advances in automobiles have always been, and continues to be, a desirable element of classics cars. We also looked at electric cars, delving a bit into the past but more so into the present and future.

 

It would not be far-fetched to say early 2000s cars such as the Dodge Viper, Ford Shelby GT and Corvette Z06 are all destined to be considered classic cars. And one thing they all had in common: evidence of the expansion of carbon fiber body parts from being a Formula 1 racing advantage to being a way to make street-legal muscle cars lighter in weight and, some would say, a bit cooler.

 

WKTV visited one local company — Walker’s Plasan Carbon Composites, Inc. — which makes carbon fiber body parts for a wide range if cars and talked with Adrienne Stevens, President & CEO of the company.

 

Then WKTV looked at the past, present and possible future of electric cars, ultimately asking the question: Is Tesla a classic-car must-have of the future? To find out, we asked a young — real young — car collector, Byron Center’s own Blake Dahlquist.

 

View both segments below:

 

 

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Dream Wheels, Election, Health, Kids Activities, Our Cities, Politics, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

 

Quote of the Day

"There's one way to find out if a man is honest - ask him. If he says, 'Yes,' you know he is a crook."

                                                  ~Groucho Marx

Ladies and gentlemen,
start your engines!

(Courtesy Bruce Carlson)

 

 

The 2018 Metro Cruise kicks off at 4pm Friday, Aug. 24. The alternative Latin rock group Cabildo will be on the main stage at 4:30pm, followed by local favorite, Delilah DeWylde at 7:30pm performing a range of hillbilly and blues. Friday closes at 10pm.

 

 

Looking for a superhero

Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but Kent County is on the hunt for a new sheriff. If you have leadership skills and a background in law enforcement, you might want to consider applying for the position. With the announced retirement of Kent County Sheriff Larry Stelma, the county has formed a Kent County Sheriff Appointment Committee and is looking for applicants for the position. The individual appointed by the committee will hold the position through Dec. 31, 2020.

 

Take a walk on the wild side

Metro Health Village has a number of walking routes and even a bike trail — all perfect for an afternoon stroll with the kids or a quick, weeknight workout. Download a Walking/Bike Route map here.

 

Need a little push to get started? Check out the Couch to 5K Training Program. Even if you’re not looking to set any world records, this program will have you up and active in no time!

 

…and they came out in droves

No, not locusts, but we didn’t have a photo depicting the droves of voters who showed up for the primary election on Aug. 7. Take a good look at this photo — that’s the  power inherent in sheer numbers, people. A pat on the back for all who voted.

 

The Chamber’s WKTV Government Matters committee analyzed the impressive voter turnout during their meeting on Aug. 13. The committee also discussed county staff additions. All in all, pretty important stuff.

 

 

Fun Fact:

In Switzerland, it is illegal
to own just one guinea pig.

This is because guinea pigs are social animals, and they are considered victims of abuse if they are alone. Source.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you need to know

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Metro Cruise Preliminary Pin Up Girl Contest

 

The 28th Street Metro Cruise Preliminary Pin up Girls Contest is set for this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at a new location this year, the Moose Lodge, 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW. Come check out the fun as contests from across the state compete for the chance to be part of the annual Pin Up Girl Contest at Metro Cruise which is Aug. 24 and 25. For more, click here.

 

Boom! Grand Rapids hosts fireworks on Saturday

 

Well if you didn’t get enough on July 4, the Amway Family Fireworks will be this Saturday in downtown Grand Rapids. The activities such as games, food, vendor exhibits and music, will kick off at 5pm at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, which is right next to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St. NW. Fireworks will be at dusk (estimated time is 10:30pm) For more, click here.

 

 

City of Wyoming doubles up on events

 

On Tuesday, the City of Wyoming will have two events: a Department of Public Safety Community Open House from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the Concerts in the Park return to Lamar Park at 7 p.m. Both events are free. For more information, click here.

 

 

WKTV Journal newscast details Metro Cruise and visits with Friesian horse owners

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WKTV Journal’s biweekly video newscast celebrates another Metro Cruise which took place in August with all the activities that took place including the GM Foundation awarding of $25,000 in grants and an interview with this year’s Metro Cruise Pin Up Contest winner. Also, WKTV Community Journalist Bill Rinderknecht talks to members of the Michigan Friesian Horse Club about their upcoming event, the Michigan Inspection, Sept. 22 and 23 at the Gratiot County Fairgrounds in Alma. Finally it is the season for sports, with WKTV ramping up its coverage.

 

WKTV Journal’s newscast premiers biweekly on Monday at 8 a.m., and then is broadcast at various times and dates on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T Channel 99 Community channel. This week, it will run on WKTV 25 Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the following times: 11:58 a.m., 4:55 p.m. and 5:52 p.m., and on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 1:06 a.m. This week it will run on WKTV Channel 26 on Wednesday, Sept, 13, at 6:58 p.m. and 9:52 p.m.

WKTV community photographer on scene at Wyoming’s Metro Cruise

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Local Faces, Recreation, Volunteers

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

By Bruce Carlson

WKTV Community Photographer

 

Whether we’re young, middle-aged, or elderly, the 28th Street Metro Cruise brought smiles to all.  It was a fantastic weekend, Aug. 25-26, for the great city of Wyoming! And, also Kentwood and Grandville. I covered a half mile stretch, from Clyde Park to Michael/DeHoop avenues, and saw hundreds of classic cars. If you are a car enthusiast, this was — and is each year — a MUST SEE.

 

Bruce Carlson lives in Wyoming, Michigan

Metro Cruise hits the teens as it marks its 13th year this weekend

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, , , , , ,

The Pin Up Contest takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Main Stage at Rogers Plaza.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

It’s gonna be cars, cars and more cars this weekend as the 13th Annual Metro Cruise takes place this Friday and Saturday along 28th Street.

 

Once again, the epicenter of it all will be Rogers Plaza with cars, vendors and food along with WKTV on site to record the two-day event.

 

“It has grown into quite a large event,” said Bob O’Callaghan, the president of the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which ha hosted the annual event. “The original thought process was to get a few cars and a couple thousand people at Rogers Plaza to highlight 28th Street and last year we have about 250,000 people and about 16,000 collector cars.”

 

New to this year’s event is the Blessing of the Cars which takes place Thursday, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. at Wesley Park United Methodist Church, 1120 32nd St. SW. The lot will open for cars starting at 6 p.m. Cars should enter off of 32nd Street or Michael Avenue.

 

On the east end of 28th Street will be the Cascade’s Metro Cruise Warm Up from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Thornapple Center, 6797 Cascade Rd SE. (near the Cascade Road and 28th Street intersection.) Along with lots of cars, there will be food trucks, live music from the band Decades, kids’ activities, and a dunk tank to benefit the Kent County Sheriff’s Department’s K9 Unit. The event is sponsored by the Cascade DDA, Cascade Community Foundation and the Forest Hills Business Association.

 

Other new additions to this year is expand hours for the event with it running from 4 – 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, said O’Callaghan, noting the closing times are about an hour later than in previous years.

 

For Friday, Aug. 25, food and vendors will be at Rogers Plaza along with a variety of cars. Main Stage entertainment will feature Big Boss Band at 4 p.m. followed by local country singer Kari Lynch at 7 p.m.

 

While the event starts on Friday, which O’Callaghan noted organizers have seen increase attendance Friday night over the past several years, the official opening ceremonies take place at 9 a.m. Saturday. During the ceremonies, the GM Foundation presents checks to several local charities.

 

At a 11 a.m., about eight ladies will compete in the annual Pin Up contest, which is an era-type contest with the ladies involved dressing according to the era they represent, O’Callaghan said,

 

“The belief before people get to know Pin Up is that it’s just women perpetuating the old school idea that women should be beautiful and something that men should look at,” said Amanda Miehle, who is Victory Belle and will be competing in this year’s contest. That women can’t be more than a pretty face but Pin Up is so much more than that. It is empowering. Women took something with a stigma and a label that was once almost degrading to women and they reclaimed it. These women are amazing. They are strong. They are empowering. They are uplifting to other women. They are not afraid to get on a stage and show the world they are beautiful.

 

“It’s kind of like taking something and making it our own.”

 

There is more music starting at noon on Saturday with blues group Out of Favor Boys followed by country group Stolen Horses at 3:30 p.m. and JetBeats wrapping up the evening with a performance from 7 – 8:45 p.m.

 

Of course there are activities all along 28th Street at various businesses and car dealerships. One such event that takes place through the entire month of August is the Art Cruise. Similar to ArtPrize, local artists are matched with 18 Wyoming businesses where the artists’ work is featured for the month.

 

For a complete list of the businesses — or for more about this year’s Metro Cruise — make sure to pick up a brochure at the event or visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

WKTV Journal newscast details National Night Out, Buck Creek Braille Trail 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Newscast, ,

National Night Out offered neighborhood interaction with local police and fire departments. (WKTV file photo)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

WKTV Journal’s biweekly video newscast premiers its newest episode today with segments on the Wyoming and Kentwood’s National Night Out events, the annual Metro Cruise, and Buck Creek Nature Preserve’s new braille trail.

 

WKTV Journal’s newscast premiers biweekly on Monday at 8 a.m., and then is broadcast at various times and dates on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 25 and on AT&T Channel 99 Community channel. This week, it will run on WKTV 25 Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the following times: 11:58 a.m., 4:55 p.m. and 5:52 p.m., and on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 1:06 a.m. This week it will run on WKTV Channel 26 on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 6:58 p.m. and 9:52 p.m.

 

Visit here for a YouTube video of the newscast. https://youtu.be/nobau0R9ppE

 

Annual Metro Cruise Dust-Off event helps everyone to cruise into summer

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , , , , , , ,

The deadline for entries for the annual Metro Cruise annual Pin Up Girl Contest is June 23.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

The signs of woodies and rag-tops, steel wagons and coupes. Roadsters running the length of 28th street and big-block V8s growling as they pass by. And of course we can’t forget the chrome, lots and lots of it sparkling in the sun.

 

Believe it or not, but the annual kick off to one of the area’s biggest car cruising events is this weekend. The annual Metro Cruise Dust-Off takes places from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Wyoming Moose Lodge #763 located at 2630 Burlingame Ave. SW.

 

The event has become an annual tradition and a kick off to the summer car shows with car owners finally being able to show off what has been stored under those tarps.

 

“We hope to have 100 – 150 cars at the Dust Off on Saturday,” said Bob O’Callaghan, president/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual event. O’Callaghan added that the first 50 collector car owners get a free Dust-Off shirt, which have become a collector’s item.

 

And while the Metro Cruise itself — which is Aug. 25 and 26 — is still about four months away, planning and preparation for the annual event, which marks its 13th year this year, have been well under way with several deadlines fast approaching.

 

The popular Art Cruise hosted by the Wyoming Business Leaders has already put a call out for artists for this year’s show. Similar to Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize, several Wyoming businesses feature the work of various local artists during the month of August, the same month as the Metro Cruise.

 

Interested artists have until June 1 to sign up to participate. The cost is $10, which is used to help cover marketing materials. For more information or to sign up, contact Donna Kuba, who runs Instant Cash Advance, at 616-261-4500 or email her at artcruisewyoming@gmail.com.

 

Entries for the annual Pin Up Girl contest are also being accepted. The Pin Up Girl contest will take place July 8 at the American Legion Post 154, 2327 Byron Center Ave. SW. The final competition will take place during Metro Cruise on Aug. 26, rain or shine according to O’Callaghan who said this year space has been reserved in Rogers Plaza for the contest if the weather is not cooperating.

 

Application deadline is June 23. All contestants must provide a head shot and full body shot with costume and makeup. Those interested should email the JA PR Group at staff@japrgroup.com.

 

For details and up-to-date information, make sure to visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com or visit the Metro Cruise Facebook page at Facebook.com/metrocruise.

Cruising through DreamWheels!

Entertainment, Local Business, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , , , , , , , , ,

2016 DreamWheels for newsWith Metro Cruise upon us and WKTV’s DreamWheels! set to film on Saturday, we take a look back on the stories of the people and cars who make the cruise such a large attraction. From the history surrounding the inception of Metro Cruise to the shops and talents it takes to rejuvenate the beauty of a classic car, and everything in between, our full coverage is below:

 

DreamWheels! comes to the red carpet

History of Metro Cruise

Art Cruise

Engine House No. 9

Steve’s Antique Auto Repair

Pal’s Diner

The ‘artwork’ of Dom Federico

Lowriders come to DreamWheels!

Metro Cruise Pin-Up Girls

SoCal Speed Shop comes to Metro Cruise

DreamWheels! Lowriders make a special appearance in this year’s show

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , , , , , , ,

https://youtu.be/MjFohF2Akxo

Wyoming resident Anbrocio Ledesma remembers as a young boy going down to the local party store and getting the latest copy of “Lowrider” magazine.

 

“I would flip through the pages, looking at the cars and think to myself, ‘One day, I am going to have one of those cars,’” he said.

 

Anbrocio Ledesma with his 1951 Chevy Deluxe
Anbrocio Ledesma with his 1951 Chevy Deluxe

Not an uncommon dream for a young Mexician-American boy from a family of six living in the Grand Rapids area. In fact, the time that Ledesma was growing up, the popularity of lowriders — a car that sits low to the ground and often has hydraulics to raise and lower the car — in the late 1970s and early 1980s, lowriders had become part of the mainstream car culture thanks in part to “Lowrider” magazine.

 

“It’s a dream to have one of these, to have a lowrider,” said Holland resident Pablo Lopez, who is considered the founder of the West Michigan lowrider movement. Lopez owns a 1963 Impala SS that has taken him about 30 years to get “where I can say it is done.”

 

Lowriders came out of post World War II with the Mexican-American Barrios of East Los Angeles credited with creating this unique take on an automobile. It was the mid-1940s, Detroit had moved back into production of cars with a lot of used cars available on the market. Returning Mexican-American veterans applied their mechanic skills to build lowriders, filling the trunks with sandbags and cutting the spring coils to make the cars go as low to the ground as possible. “They are low and slow,” Lopez said.

 

There was backlash to the new style and in 1958 California lawmakers passed a vehicle code making it illegal to drive a car with any part lower than the bottom of the wheel’s rims. That combined with the fact that lowriders would scrap the ground lead to customizer Ron Aquirre to develop new hydraulic techniques to lower and raise a car with a flip of a switch. Salvage yards became popular as young lowrider enthusiasts looked for hydraulic pumps from lift gates and aircrafts.

 

“In order for it to be a lowrider, it has to have hydraulics,” Lopez said. “At least according to me.”

 

Pablo Lopez with his 1963 Impala SS.
Pablo Lopez with his 1963 Chevy Impala SS.

Lopez’s car, built in the L.A style, is what one would expect a Lowrider to be. It features wire rims, 13-inch wheels, with a 327 V8 engine. Custom paint by his son Manny Lopez tells the story of Lopez’s heritage and life including the loss of his daughter Rosa Linda Lopez at age 37 to cancer. Even the inside is customized from the poke-dotted red suede seats to a 1940s microphone as the gearshift. The car also includes a record player that plays 45s, brass skulls on the door locks, and fringe on the mirrors.

 

Ledesma never gave up on his goal of owning a lowrider and while in the process of searching for a 1964 Chevy Impala — ideal for lowering because of its x-frame — he was given the opportunity to purchase a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe. Called a Bombita, It took Ledesma “a good 10 years” to get the car to where it is now. It is a light metallic purple, paint done by Ted Aguliar, with silver accents and white interior. It has a 327 engine out of 1967 Corvette.

 

To create a smoother ride, Ledesma did take out his hydraulics for air bags. “That and when the line breaks with air bags, it’s just air coming out,” Ledesma said. “With hydraulics, when the line breaks, you have a mess to clean up.”

 

Both Ledesma and Lopez said that while there are still lowriders around, the interest has waned.

 

“It is a real expensive hobby to get into,” Lopez said, adding it is the reason why it can take several years for a person to get a car completely transformed. “Many of those I worked with have gotten married, gone off to college, started families and they just can’t financially keep it up.”

 

Even for Lopez, he didn’t get involved in the hobby until after his children were grown.

 

“I saw these antennas at a show in Lansing,” Lopez said pointing to an antenna from a 1956 Oldsmobile. “They were $90 at the time. I had enough money to either get the antennas or a hotel room for the night. I bought the antennas, drove all the way home and then came back to the show the next day.”

 

Lowriders are also associated with bad behavior which Lopez said those who own them are not interested in working with “bad kids.” “I’m not interested in helping bad kids,” said Lopez whose family owned Familia Lopez Slow & Low. “This isn’t about that. It’s about tradition, It’s about family. It’s about talking to people and having them sit in the car and connecting with each other.”

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.

DreamWheels!: Pin Up Girl Contest set to take place at Rogers Plaza

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,

Pin ups
The preliminary round for this year’s 28th Street Metro Cruise Pin Up Girls Contest featured 14 young ladies who were narrowed down to 10 finalist. Those finalists will compete for the title this Saturday.

 

A few years ago, Stacey Davis was walking through the 28th Street Metro Cruise when she happened upon the Pin Up Girl contest at Rogers Plaza.

 

“My dad restores classic cars so I grew up going to car shows like the Metro Cruise every summer,” said Davis, whose stage name is Ginger Snaps. “I grew up seeing the girls in the poodle skirts, the Marilyn Monroe impersonators and I saw the Metro Cruise contest and decided to sign up.”

 

Last year, the former Grand Rapids resident, who recently moved to Midland, was crowned Miss Metro Cruise 2015.

 

“It definitely helped with my confidence to know that I had won that title,” Davis said, adding that it has been a fun time visiting with little girls and meeting new people. “It was a great experience.”

 

This year Davis is joined by Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Jeremiah White, owner of Reflections Salon, to judge the 2016 Pin Up Girl Contest which is part of the Metro Cruise fun. The even takes place Saturday, Aug. 27, from 1 – 3 p.m. at Rogers Plaza.

 

ginger snaps
The 2015 28th Street Metro Cruise Pin Up is Stacey Davis a.k.a. Ginger Snaps.

The Pin Up Girl Contest has been a longstanding tradition at Metro Cruise, said Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Bob O’Callaghan. And it makes sense. Flip through any car magazine and within the first few pages you will see a very pretty girl next to a candid apple red street racer or a bright green hotrod.

 

The pin up girl is an interesting American phenomenon which was born in the 1800s through magazines like Life, boomed in the 1930s due to the calendars of Brown and Bigelow, and peaked during World War II. Today, pin up girls remain a fabric of the American cultural and an ode to what many have called “a simpler time.”

 

For the 28th Street Metro Cruise Pin Up Girl Contest,  there was a preliminary contest in July where the number of girls were narrowed down to 10 finalist who will compete for the title on Saturday. The girls come from all over to compete in the contest, which this year is being organized by JA PR Group.

 

Spectators are welcomed to watch and cheer for their favorite.

 

Rogers Plaza serves as the central spot for the Metro Cruise with a host of activities taking place all around the mall. The “DreamWheels!” television program will be broadcasting live from Rogers Plaza as well Cascade’s Pal’s Diner from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Pete Chapouris from So-Cal Speed Shop will be signing autographs at the Rogers Plaza tent for Steve’s Antique Auto Repair.

 

For more, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.

DreamWheels!: The artwork of Dom Federico

3-bottom, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, , , ,

https://youtu.be/9KnW81NYG8Q

By: Mike DeWitt

Mike.DeWitt@wktv.org

 

At its base, a car is a machine built of metal with an ability to transport people from point A to point B. However, cars — especially classic cars — are never seen at their base level. For some, cars are an expression of individuality. A way to make a statement on their own personality and interests. For others, cars are a model of engineering at its finest and how far that engineering can be pushed.

 

For Dom Federico, cars are works of art.

 

IMG_1767“I just love them, and when I got this car and I looked at that fin,” said Dom with his finger pointed towards a fin on a beautiful teal 1961 Cadillac Convertible, “All of a sudden I realized that what I really was doing wasn’t collecting cars, but collecting art. Each one of these is an art form, if you look at the faces of each one of these cars, each one is completely different.”

 

Dom and his wife have been collecting art since 1973 with the goal focused on every car as an individual. Their private garage houses more than 30 unique and classic cars, but simply filling the garage was never the focus. Instead of seeking out cars one by one, Dom waits until the cars “find him.”

 

His approach stems from Saturdays in August during his childhood where he would take his bike from one car dealership to another in hopes of seeing the new cars set to be unveiled and introduced in September. Throughout August, the new cars would be in the back with high canvas coverings on the chain link fences to conceal the cars. Dom would climb the fences just to get a look at what was in store for the next year, and when the right car came along, it left an impact.

 

IMG_1777“When the ’63 Corvette came out, I stayed in the showroom for hours. I couldn’t stop looking at it because of the artwork of it,” he said.

 

Those late summer Saturdays led to an infatuation that couldn’t be quelled with a single car. What started as one car eventually became two, and then three, until one day Dom finally came to the realization — thanks to his daughter — that what he owned was a little more than an extension of a normal garage.

 

“When I got to 10 cars, my daughter who was 8 at the time, said to me, ‘Dad, we’re in double-digits.’ And it hit me.”

 

Dom’s interest and passion had become a collection, something worthy of sharing with others around him. His garage has hosted parties and charity events with the cars as the main attraction, but one of his favorite showcases is the 28th Street Metro Cruise and on the red carpet at DreamWheels!. Since the inception of Metro Cruise in 2005, Dom has only missed one year and loves sharing his artwork with people who truly appreciate cars.

 

IMG_1764Lately, Dom’s participation in Metro Cruise has shifted towards being an annual member on the red carpet at WKTV’s DreamWheels!. This year he plans on bringing his ’79 Ferrari.

 

“We had been to Metro Cruise multiple times in the past and actually stopped going because it became too crowded to even drive cars. With DreamWheels!, we can still drive our cars and show them off. It’s kind of like a tradition now.”

 

Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels!” show which will broadcast live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.